Publisher's Synopsis
The design of French embassies presented in this book retrace a century of diplomacy and the influence of the French style abroad. They showcase the diplomatic role played by the decorative arts and, as a counterpoint, the enrichment of these through contact with other cultures. From the first Art nouveau and Art deco ensembles to design at the end of the century, the most prestigious designers of their time meet on this world tour: Süe and Mare in Warsaw, Francis Jourdain in Kabul, Jean-Michel Frank in Dublin, Jacques Émile Ruhlmann in Tokyo, Jean Dunand in Ankara, Jean Royère in Alexandria and Helsinki or, more recently, Michel Boyer in Brasilia and Jean-Michel Wilmotte in Washington. Throughout the pages, the little-known heritage of France abroad is revealed, thanks to documents, photographs and often unpublished drawings which reconstruct its memory. Text in French.
